The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) is spearheading a major new initiative in collaboration with the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board.
RSUTH offers 100% Comprehensive Cleft Care services (free surgery inclusive) which is funded by Smile Train which is the world’s largest cleft charity organization.
The cleft awareness program was effective in training PHC workers to identify and promptly refer people with cleft lip and palate to RSUTH to receive free care. In addition, the LGA representatives were mobilized to combat the significant social stigma associated with cleft conditions.
Dr. Oti Nimi Aria, Head of the Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery Team, highlighted RSUTH’s commitment to ensuring this vital, free treatment reaches the grassroots. She noted that surgery is optimally performed at about 3 months (lip repair) and at 1 year (palate repair), but advised early referral at birth so newborns and their families benefit from nutritional and psychological support respectively.
This partnership is key to ensuring that every child in need benefits from this life-changing medical care.
FREE CLEFT CARE CONTACTS
HOSPITAL: Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt
CONTACTS – 0806 385 2267, 0703 554 7698, 08104122651
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